BIRds of a feather

Muhājir means migrant. It's a variation on Zubair's own last name, and the truest word he had for a life that moved through Chennai, then Doha, then Chicago, picking something up at every stop along the way. Jacob's history runs closer to home: Filipino hospitality and food, family tables, the kind of cooking that gets passed down instead of taught.

For years now, the two of them have kept landing in the same kitchens: Coach House, Lilac Tiger, Sarima Cafe, one after another.

The idea for Muhājir started small, the way a fire always does. A story about a bird, the reed warbler, flying the length of continents every year and still finding its way home. Its path runs close to the old spice routes themselves, the same corridors that once carried cardamom, clove, anise, and chillies across oceans and cultures. That was the spark, the moment a name and an idea finally caught. Once it catches, fire breathes life into it: a spice becomes a meal, and a meal becomes a memory.

Muhājir is where all of that finally comes to roost. And just behind it, in a smaller room, the warmth of the fire turns into a neon glow. That's BOBO.

Meet the Team

  • Zubair Mohajir

    EXECUTIVE CHEF + CO-FOUNDER

    Zubair Mohajir is an award-winning chef, restaurateur and culinary storyteller known for redefining South Asian cuisine through a modern, globally influenced lens. Born in Chennai, India, raised in Doha, Qatar and later settling in the Chicago area, Mohajir’s culinary perspective reflects a lifetime of cultural exploration and a passion for connecting people through food. Mohajir is the chef and founder behind celebrated Chicago concepts including Coach House, Lilac Tiger, Mirra, Sarima Cafe and Muhājir. His work has earned multiple James Beard Award nominations, national recognition and appearances on Bravo’s Top Chef and Food Network. Across each of his restaurants, he explores the intersections of history, migration and culture, creating experiences that honor tradition while embracing innovation. Through every dish, he invites guests to experience the stories, flavors and journeys that have shaped both his life and his vision for modern hospitality. 

  • Jacob Dela Cruz

    EXECUTIVE CHEF + CO-FOUNDER

    Jacob Dela Cruz is a Filipino-American chef and hospitality leader whose work is rooted in culture, community and storytelling through food and beverage. As Chef de Cuisine of Coach House and co-founder of Muhājir + BOBO and Sarima Cafe, Jacob has become an integral part of a new generation of culinary talent helping shape Chicago’s dining landscape. His approach blends technical precision with a deep respect for heritage, drawing inspiration from Filipino flavors, family traditions and vibrant energy of neighborhood gathering places.

  • DAVID MOR

    DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

    David Mor is an award-winning bartender, hospitality professional and entrepreneur whose innovative approach to beverage programming has helped shape some of Chicago’s most exciting dining destinations. As the creative force behind the beverage programs at Coach House, Lilac Tiger, TRUCE, Mirra and Muhājir + BOBO, David is known for crafting distinctive cocktail experiences that balance technical precision, thoughtful storytelling and exceptional hospitality. Recognized as one of Chicago’s hospitality professionals to watch, David continues to push the city’s cocktail scene forward through his commitment to innovation, collaboration and genuine guest experiences. Whether designing a menu, mentoring a team or welcoming guests at the bar, he believes great hospitality begins with creating meaningful moments and lasting connections.

  • Richard Beltzer

    BEVERAGE DIRECTOR

    Richard Beltzer is a hospitality professional whose career has been defined by passion for thoughtful service, creative beverage programming and building memorable guest experiences. With years of experience working across some of Chicago’s most respected hospitality concepts, Richard has developed a reputation for blending technical expertise with genuine hospitality, creating spaces where guests feel both welcomed and inspired.

  • Beena Vaidyan

    GENERAL MANAGER

    With more than 20 years of experience in hospitality, Beena Vaidyan has built her career around creating exceptional guest experiences and fostering strong service-driven teams. Her background spans restaurants, hotels, entertainment venues and large-scale hospitality concepts throughout Chicago, where she has held leadership roles in operations, guest relations, training and team development. Born and raised in the Chicago area to parents from Kerala, India, Beena feels a personal connection to many of the flavors, traditions and cultural influences that inspire Muhājir. Her leadership style is rooted in care, connection and creating an environment where both guests and team members feel welcomed, valued and respected. She is proud to be a part of the behind Muhājir + BOBO and looks forward to introducing Chicago diners to a concept that honors tradition while embracing innovation.